Disease say

THE Victorian Farmers Federation is calling all sheep producers to have their say regarding the industry review of the Ovine Johnes Disease Management Plan.
This will ensure that producers get their opinions and input registered regarding programs which can have significant trade and production implications for their business.
VFF Livestock Group President Cris Nixon said producers have told him that they are concerned about the Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD) programs.
He said this was their opportunity to have their views taken into account.
“When the re-classification of the prevalence areas occurred at the beginning of the year, many producers were very concerned and vocal about their access to trade, especially to interstate markets,” Mr Nixon said.
“Now that we have a review of the OJD Management Plan underway, all producers really need to stand up and formally register their views.
“The VFF Livestock Council met and we have reserved specifying a preferred option for Victoria until we get more producer feedback, but we do think that vaccination is pivotal in OJD management.
“OJD is such an important issue for Victorian producers, that the VFF want to ensure that we do everything we possibly can to get producers voices heard,” Mr Nixon concluded. It is anticipated that a final decision will be announced by 1 January 2012 and any changes to the program will be implemented from 1 July 2012.
For producers to have input into this review, they should first visit www.ojd. com.au to download the document titled Discussion Paper and then complete the online survey by 14 October.
Anyone without internet access should call 0431 753 071 to obtain a hard copy of the review.
For further information, producers can contact the VFF Livestock Group on 1300 882 833.